| Bloomfield,
CT 06002 |
|
October
28 2005 |
| |
Watch
out for ID Thieves |
| |
Be
careful! You may become a fraud victim if you don't protect
yourself.
Is the problem fixable? Sometimes but every consumer must take the
steps to protect himself/herself.
There are identity thieves out there that are scarier than they
were in the 1990's.
How can you stay on guard?
Newsweek Magazine posted the following recommendations:
- Credit: Photocopy all credit-card, investment and bank-account
information.
- Always keep credit- card receipts. Place a fraud alert on all
credit reports. Contact issuer if new credit cards don't arrive on
time.
Passwords/Pins:
- Don't use last four digits of your Social Security number, your
mother's maiden name, birth date, pet's name or consecutive
numbers.
- Add a second password to your bank account.
- SSN. Never use unless absolutely necessary. Check SS earnings
and benefits statement each year for fraud. Call 800-772-1213 for
more information.
General Tips: Review bills each month for misuse; shred
pre-approved credit offers before tossing in the trash, make sure
companies lock up your credit/loan applications, store canceled
checks safely. Lobby your representative to push for ID-theft
legislation. Consumers need it desperately!
Computer Tips: Author of the new book Keep Your Computer Alive,
Daniel Uitti suggests that you learn how to maintain your
computer, to prevent Identity Theft.
- Keep your computer free of Viruses and SpyWare. If your computer
runs slow, or has many pop-up ads, clean it up before using your
on-line bank account.
- Never use the links or form to log into your account that
appears in e-mail. Go directly to your account website. Phishing
is a technique used by thieves to pretend to represent your bank.
- Forward Spoof and Phishing attempt e-mails to your bank, eBay,
PayPal. (use spoof@ebay.com, spoof@paypal.com or the address that
your bank recommends.)
- Learn how to install and use Firewall software.
If you are a victim:
Step One: If your ID is stolen, place a fraud alert on your credit
reports by calling Equifax (888-766--0008. Trans Union
(800-680-7289 or Experian (800-Experian). Review reports carefully
for unsolicited inquiries, unknown accounts and new debts. Get
bogus information purged immediately.
Step Two: Close all accounts that have been compromised. Follow up
in writing with copies of supporting documents. Choose new
passwords for new accounts. For fraudulent charges on existing
accounts, fill out a fraud-dispute form. For new unauthorized
accounts, submit the FTC's ID Theft affidavit. www.consumer.gov.
Step Three: File a report with your local police or the police in
the community where your ID was stolen.
Unfortunately, your local police may not handle ID thefts as top
priority. I was a victim where someone stole my number to buy $400
worth of tea and tea products. I had a number at the police
department but never heard.
You can get a copy of the report (or its number) to help deal with
creditors who require proof of the crime. If you are having
trouble, contact your state Attorney General's office. www.naag.org.
Step Four: File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. The
FTC cannot help you specifically with your complaint but will make
a record of it. |
| |
Cynthia
Bercowetz (consumreye@aol.com)
Author/Consumer Advocate
22 Oak Lane
Bloomfield, CT 06002
Phone : 860-243-2208 |
|